By Bisi Bamishe
AIICO Insurance Plc recently hosted a glamorous retirement party in honour of eight distinguished members of staff who concluded their meritorious service after decades of unwavering commitment. The colourful evening of music, entertainment, family, and friendship brought together the retirees, their families, senior management, and colleagues from across generations, in what became a moving celebration of legacy, growth, and renewal.
The event was not only a farewell but also a statement of what AIICO represents: a workplace where careers are nurtured, values are passed across generations, and employees thrive in an environment of strength, stability, and timeless relevance.
Speaking at the event, AIICO Insurance Plc’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Babatunde Fajemirokun, described the evening as a celebration of dedication, resilience, and legacy. He commended the retirees for their invaluable contributions to the company’s growth, noting that their individual journeys embody the values that define AIICO – service excellence, trust, team spirit, entrepreneurship, and professionalism.
“Our retirees have each left footprints of impact on people, on teams, and on this company,” he said. “They may be retiring today, but they are certainly not tired. This next chapter is an opportunity to continue shining, to be ambassadors of AIICO wherever they go, and to remain examples of what a successful career and retirement look like.”
Mr. Fajemirokun also extended heartfelt appreciation to the families of the retirees for the encouragement and support that made it possible for them to give their best at work, emphasizing that their sacrifices have been a quiet but powerful part of the AIICO success story.
Stories of Inspiration: Journeys of the Retirees
John Ebowe – Head, South-East & South-South Region
Joining AIICO in 2007, Mr. Ebowe transformed struggling branches into high-performing offices, growing revenue from ₦34.5 million to nearly ₦2 billion over his 18 years. Known fondly as “IGWE,” he inspired colleagues with his resilience, innovation, and humility. His story of repairing a grounded branch car with personal funds just to win business reflects his extraordinary commitment. For him, retirement is a moment of fulfilment and gratitude to God, leaving behind a legacy of growth and mentorship.
Taiwo Onadipe – Senior Legal & Compliance Officer
Mr. Onadipe’s journey, which began in 1995, is a testament to resilience and faith. Rising from Superintendent in Claims to Principal Manager and Group Head, Claims, he combined work with law studies, overcoming academic setbacks before being called to the Nigerian Bar in 2007. In 2023, he was redeployed to the Legal Department, where he now retires from, marking the close of a distinguished career at AIICO. Through various career and personal challenges, he embodied perseverance and departs with values of discipline, honesty, and integrity deeply etched in AIICO’s culture.
Adeleke Adesina – Principal Manager, Group Life Sales Executive
Mr. Adesina joined in 2010 and carved his niche in Group Life Sales, navigating competitive markets and internal challenges with determination. His early breakthrough in Ibadan despite broker resistance showed his grit and persuasive spirit. He later rose to leadership roles in Group Life, making significant contributions to AIICO’s growth. His story reflects adaptability and courage in the face of change.
Timothy Momoh – Ikeja Branch Manager
For over 20 years, Mr. Momoh served with passion and precision, beginning in Life Underwriting in 2002. Rising through the ranks to Senior Manager II and leading both technical and sales teams, his career highlights include being the only AIICO candidate to qualify as a Chartered Insurance Professional in 2006 and leading the technical migration to TURNQUEST in 2012. His guiding principles – integrity, mentorship, and customer focus—remain a gift to the next generation.
Lanre Oladeinde – Senior Manager, Sales Executive
Mr. Oladeinde’s story began in 1996 in Claims and later across several technical departments. His standout achievement was growing Jos Branch’s production from ₦20 million to over ₦400 million despite severe external challenges, including insecurity. His mentoring of colleagues like Mr. Haruna Yakubu, now in Jos Branch, reflects his belief in legacy building. His resilience and results-oriented approach remain an enduring inspiration.
Johnson Ehindero – Estate and Facility Manager
For nearly 30 years since joining in 1996, Mr. Ehindero dedicated his career to building AIICO’s Facilities function. Rising from technician to Manager, he spearheaded projects like the Independent Power Project that cut diesel costs by 70%, and branch infrastructure upgrades that improved operational efficiency. His leadership, mentoring, and innovative solutions reshaped the company’s facilities nationwide. His philosophy: success is collective, driven by passion and respect.
Funmi Abidogun – Cashiering, Ibadan Branch
Mrs. Abidogun’s 30-year journey, beginning in 1995 as a secretary, reflects resilience and growth. Rising to become Ibadan Branch Cashier, she combined work with academic pursuits, earning degrees in Business Administration and Entrepreneurship. Her fondest memories include long-service awards, festive office celebrations, and women’s empowerment programmes. For her, patience, focus, and commitment remain the cornerstones of success.
Sunday Obinga – Principal Dispatch Rider
Joining as a dispatch rider in 2001, Obinga worked his way up to Principal Clerk. His story is one of quiet consistency, discipline, and integrity. Despite the daily rigours of navigating Lagos traffic, he maintained a clean service record over two decades. His words of wisdom are simple yet profound: “Be faithful, diligent, humble. Dishonesty has no lasting reward.”
A Night of Glamour and Gratitude
The retirement party was a joyous affair filled with music, dance, laughter, and tributes. Colleagues shared anecdotes, management expressed deep appreciation, and family members watched with pride as their loved ones were celebrated. The atmosphere reflected AIICO’s culture—a blend of respect for tradition and readiness for the future.
Chief Human Resources Officer, Mr. Oluyemi Obakin, in his remarks, expressed gratitude to the MD/CEO, Mr. Babatunde Fajemirokun, for his consistent support for initiatives that celebrate employees and their contributions. He said, “Tonight is about honouring years of dedication, sacrifice, and legacy. It’s our way of saying thank you – not just in words, but by creating moments that our retirees, their families, and all of us will remember for years to come.”
The company then presented the retirees with symbolic parting gifts, tokens of gratitude for their years of service and loyalty. For many, the night was not a goodbye but a reminder that once a member of the AIICO family, always a member.
AIICO: A Workplace for Every Generation
The celebration also highlighted AIICO’s multi-generational workforce – spanning Generation X, millennials, and Gen Z – united by shared values of service excellence, trust, team spirit, entrepreneurship and professionalism. While the older generation passes down institutional knowledge, the younger generation brings energy, creativity, and new perspectives, ensuring AIICO remains future-ready while rooted in its legacy.
AIICO Insurance Plc continues to stand out as a place where employees confidently invest their careers, knowing their contributions are valued, their growth is supported, and their legacy is celebrated. The retirees’ stories remind younger professionals that careers here are not just jobs but journeys of impact, resilience, and fulfilment.
About AIICO Insurance Plc
AIICO Insurance is a leading composite insurer in Nigeria, with a 60-year record of accomplishment in delivering quality service to its clients. Founded in 1963, AIICO provides life and general insurance, health insurance, and investment management services to create and protect wealth for individuals, families, and corporate customers.
